The stage was set. The two favored teams from the Global Women’s Basketball Association (GWBA), the Flint Monarchs and the Chicago Breeze squared off for the title game in Flint at Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center.

The Monarchs (7-1) earned the top seed going into the playoffs by smashing the Indianapolis Bandits. The Monarchs beat the Bandits like they’d ‘stolen something’ in a lopsided game with 107-69 as the final score.

The Breeze beat the Milwaukee Aces to advance to the championship game to face the defending champs. Last year, the Monarchs beat the Aces in Milwaukee to win their second straight GWBA title.

The Breeze came into the game shorthanded. Their guard Ariel Easton, who was selected first team All-Conference, was injured in a car accident and was unable to play. Fortunately, the Breeze did have Angelinda Williams, who returned to the team from playing overseas in Ecuador.

The first quarter was very physical as both teams played tough defense to set the tone. The Monarchs and Breeze traded some hard-earned baskets as the Monarchs took a 19-15 lead to end the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Monarchs got its offense going led by first team All-Conference, Crystal Bradford. Bradford, rebounding and running the fast break, helped the Monarchs score 11 straight points to take a 26-19 lead with 5:47 left in the half.

Asia Boyd hit a baseline jumper at the end of the first half to give the Monarchs a 49-38 cushion. Bradford led the Monarchs in scoring in the first half with 10 points. Jasmine Thomas and Boyd scored 8 apiece and Jasmine McCall added 7.

“The first half went well. We need to continue to play good defense. We have plenty of scorers to get the job done offensively,” said Monarchs Head Coach Nicole Randolph when asked what the team needed to do in the second half to sustain the lead.

Bradford was assigned to guard Breeze’s high scoring forward Williams. Williams was frustrated at times due to the excellent defensive play of Bradford. Coach Randolph emphasized all season that defense is the key to a championship.

The intensity grew in the second half of the game as the Breeze came out fighting to stay within striking distance.

The Breeze started moving the ball around and hitting open jump shots. The momentum was in the Breeze’s favor until a technical foul was called against Shante Green for taunting the Monarchs’ Thomas.

The incident rallied the Monarchs as they cranked up its defense and got its high-powered offense back on track. It was too much for the pesky Breeze as the Monarchs went on to finish off the Breeze for its fifth national title. Final score, Monarchs – 96, Breeze – 85. This was the third consecutive title win for the Monarchs.

Bradford, who starred at Central Michigan and was drafted by WNBA in 2015, was named MVP and had a game-high 24 points and 17 rebounds.

“We played well, a bit shaky but we came thru,” said Bradford. “I take a lot of pride in wearing this jersey, it’s great to win another title,” she said.

The Breeze was led in scoring by guard Shante Glenn with 24 points. Glenn scored all her points in the second half. After the game, Breeze forward, Mariah Smelser, gave kudos to her team for fighting a good battle against a tough Monarchs team. “We fought hard and didn’t give up. They have a lot of talent. We won’t hang our heads. They deserved the win.”

After the game, the Monarchs players individually addressed the crowd and thanked them for showing their support throughout the season.

“We brought the title back to Flint, it’s hype,” said Jasmine Thomas.

Coach Randolph and assistant head coach Linnell Jones-McKinney said they were elated with the win but won’t get complacent.

“We’re sending a message to the league, we’re not done,” said Jones-McKinney who last year was inducted into the National Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

“Our goal is to continue dominance in our league and to win more championships,” she said.

Any women’s basketball standout from Southeast Michigan, concluding an accomplished college career, should not be surprised if Dreyon Wynn reaches out to them. Wynn, President and General Manager of the Flint Monarchs bills himself as an “encyclopedia of women’s basketball.” That knowledge, combined with uncanny people skills, passion for the game and the ability to create a welcoming environment, has allowed Wynn to put together rosters overflowing with talent since taking over the only professional women’s basketball team in the city’s history, in 2011.

Each player tells their own story of how Wynn’s recruiting efforts won them over.

For first-year forward Taylor Gleason, a Miss Basketball runner-up at Goodrich High School who played for Illinois and Oakland University, it began with a Facebook message. “Drey said he had watched me play in high school, knew that I was coming to the end of my time in college and wanted to know if I’d like to be part of the team,” says Gleason, “I went to a couple of practices and really liked it. Playing for the Monarchs has been a great experience. You can easily tell how much Drey supports women’s basketball with all the time and money he gives in support of the organization.”

Wynn, also a full-time human resource professional, devotes about 35 hours a week to the Monarchs and their league—the Global Women’s Basketball Association (GWBA). “Anyone who knows me understands how passionate I’ve always been about women’s basketball because I’ve felt the women’s game is under-appreciated and undervalued,” says the 39-year-old Wynn, who played for Flint Northern and Grand Blanc high schools. “Every year, our team’s talent-level has improved and we are doing more in the community than ever. It’s been a blessing to bring this level of women’s basketball to Flint.”

Wynn’s association with the franchise began in 2010. The team was then known as the Flint Flames and he was coach. They were part of the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League and they advanced to the third round of the league’s national tournament. Then, a major change took place which altered Wynn’s life and the team’s course. Flames owner Ladel Lewis announced she was moving to Baltimore and that the team was folding. WBCBL officials then approached Wynn about keeping a team in Flint and, with players’ support, the Monarchs were born with Wynn as sole owner, President and GM. Wynn then hired a new coach. “I knew it would be best for the organization if I utilized my strengths of recruiting and marketing besides coaching,” Wynn recalls.

In 2014, Wynn initiated the Monarchs’ transition to a professional team. They also joined the Women’s American Basketball Association (WABA) and won their first championship. Finals Most Valuable Player Tara Johnson, a former Hamady and Michigan State standout led the way. The Monarchs defended their championship the following year.

Flint joined the GWBA in 2016 and won the first of two straight titles. Arlesia Morse was Finals MVP that year and Crystal Bradford last season. Morse, an All-Stater at Flint Hamady and all-conference player at Marquette University, has played an integral role in every Monarchs championship. She has been the team’s top scorer the past three seasons, averaging nearly 20 points a game during that time. Morse also led Hamady to consecutive Class C state titles in 2009 and 2010, and is one player Wynn did not have to recruit. She came to him, hanging out at Monarchs’ practices while still in high school. “We kept in touch and he did call after my last season at Marquette to be sure I was coming back to Flint, but I had wanted to join the Monarchs for years,” Morse says. “This year has been more fun than ever with all the experienced and talented players we have coming together as one and doing whatever it takes to be successful.”

Late last month, their high level of play put the Monarchs on the cusp of their third consecutive GWBA championship. The league’s title was at stake when the Monarchs (7-1) hosted the Chicago Breeze (5-2) on Aug. 25 at Dort Federal Credit Union Arena which became their new home this year. Overall, the organization is seeking a fifth straight title.

Other players who have been a part of every Monarchs’ title run are former Hamady All-Staters Brandie Baker (Central Michigan), and Jasmine Thomas (Michigan State) along with former Detroit Communication and Media Arts All-Stater Jasmine McCall (Bowling Green).

Flint was especially dominant this season, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 99.1 to 67.2 points per game, but needed to display that dominance one more time to extend its run of championships. “We still have to bring our best game because whichever team we play is going to really come after us,” says second-year guard Sparkle Taylor, an All-Stater at Flint Northwestern and all-conference performer for the University of Texas-El Paso. “We have to keep focused because the work is not done and we have to get after it in the championship game and keep a level head until the final buzzer.”

One of four Monarchs named GWBA Player of the Week this season, Taylor joined the team after Wynn invited her to a game. “I really liked what I saw and thought the Monarchs would offer a great opportunity to continue playing during the summer,” says Taylor, who also plays for a professional team in Cyprus during the traditional basketball season. “It’s been a very good experience and it’s great for me to go against such strong competition in practice. We go hard at each other, but also have a lot of fun together on and off the court.”

Forward Crystal Bradford (Central Michigan) boasts the most impressive basketball resume. An All-Stater while at Inkster High School, Bradford was taken seventh overall in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. She appeared in 15 games for the Sparks that year, starting one, before continuing her career oversees. Bradford is scheduled to join a team in Israel this fall. “Crystal is such a gifted player. Playing well seems so effortless for her,” Wynn says. “Honestly, I don’t understand why she isn’t still in the WNBA. She has the talent.”

The Monarchs’ other former Division 1 players are Asia Boyd (Kansas), Lesha Jones (Wisconsin), Nya Jordan (Michigan) and Rachel Kehoe (Eastern Michigan). Rounding out the roster are former Hamady standout Morgan Neeley (William Penn), Jasmine Brown (Lake Superior State) and Morgan Pullins (St. Mary’s College). All play oversees, except Brown, Neeley, and Jones, and they report to Monarchs training camp less than two months after their international seasons conclude. “That gives us an advantage because we have so many players coming into camp sharp and ready to go,” says Nicole Randolph, Monarchs coach since midway through the 2015 season. “That’s just one of the reasons for our success. The depth of Drey’s recruiting and the talent he’s brought in has been huge, establishing us as the team to beat. We are also never caught playing down to the level of our competition. We try to play to our maximum potential.”

While Wynn provides talented pieces, Randolph and assistant Linnell Jones-McKenney assemble them into a well-oiled machine. Both are highly-qualified to do so. Randolph, an all-stater at Southfield Lathrup, played for Indiana and Oakland University. She has also helped legendary Detroit Country Day coach Frank Orlando win five Class B state championships in 11 seasons as his assistant. Jones-McKenney, a three-time All-Stater at Flint Northwestern and two-time All-American at Kentucky State, became Flint’s first female professional player after being drafted by the Women Professional Basketball League’s St. Louis Streaks in 1980. “We have a lot of talented players with plenty of professional experience and the coaches let us play our game–whatever is comfortable on the court,” Taylor says. “We can do our thing as long as we are working hard, playing together and our chemistry continues to grow.”

The Monarchs’ depth has been on display throughout the season. In all, five players are averaging 10 or more points per game, led by Morse (18.4). Bradford (15.4), Taylor (15.1), McCall (10.8) and Boyd (10). Bradford also tops the team in rebounds (9.8) and steals (2.9) per game. McCall also averages a team-high 6.5 assists a game while Morse chips in 5.1 rebounds and Bradford three assists.

Besides Taylor, Morse (twice), Bradford and Jordan have all been named GWBA Player of the Week. “We have about nine players who are capable of scoring at least 20 points in any game, so that makes it impossible for other teams to just focus on stopping one or two players,” Randolph says. “Our height and athleticism has also been an advantage. It’s rare for a team at our level to have seven players over six feet tall like we do. We’ve also stressed strong defense throughout the season.” Flint’s depth, however, will be tested in the championship game as three of those six-footers missed it to begin training with their overseas teams—Kehoe (6-5), Jordan (6-1) and Pullins (6-0). Gleason did not play for the same reason. “I knew we could be dominant this season because we have so many players who can contribute,” says Morse. “Everybody brings something unique to the team and we never miss a beat when somebody comes into the game for another player. It’s a testament to everybody working on the little things to make us successful.”

Flint-August 25- On Saturday, the Flint Monarchs defeated the Chicago Breeze, 96-85, to claim the Global Women’s Basketball Association (GWBA) national championship for the third consecutive time.

“This year’s team is one of a kind,” said Nicole Randolph, Head Coach of the Flint Monarchs. “During the season we’ve had seven different players score over twenty points in a game and four different players honored as league Player of the Week.”

Prior to tipoff the Global Women’s Basketball Association had a ceremony to honor five players with an award who were voted to the All-LEAGUE first team, Crystal Bradford and Arlesia Morse were two Monarchs selected. Bradford averaged 15.4 points and 9.8 rebounds and Morse averaged a league high 18.4 points. Others rounding out the All-LEAGUE first team were Teri Stamps of the Milwaukee Aces, Akyah Taylor and Ariel Easton both of the Chicago Breeze.

The Monarchs finished the season 8-1.

]]>Crystal Bradford named GWBA Player of the Week for Week 10http://www.flintmonarchs.com/news/crystal-bradford-named-gwba-player-of-the-week-forFri, 10 Aug 2018 19:59:00 +000093efa981-88b7-4de7-9a57-548a9522ff55

Chicago, IL- August 10, 2018- Crystal Bradford of the Flint Monarchs was named the GWBA’s Player of the Week, for games played August 4-August 10. Bradford recorded 20 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and seven steals while helping the Monarchs secure a 107-69 win at home.

Bradford was selected Player of the Week for the second time this season and has the Flint Monarchs off to a 7-1 league record.

The Detroit native and former Central Michigan University star averages 15.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game for the season.

Other candidates for the GWBA Player of the Week were the Flint Monarchs Jasmine McCall.

Flint, MI-August 4, 2018- The Flint Monarchs used a smothering zone press and scored 69 points in the 2nd half to overpower the Indianapolis Bandits 107-69.

“We did an exceptional job setting the tone in the second half, our defense separated us from the Bandits” said Nicole Randolph, Head Coach of the Flint Monarchs. “We must keep the momentum and hunger going into the championship game.”

The Monarchs were led by former Central Michigan University star Crystal Bradford who had a tantalizing performance with 20 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals. Both Asia Boyd and Sparkle Taylor each scored 29 points and Jasmine McCall registered 20 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds.

Cali Clark led the Indianapolis Bandits with 24 points and 9 rebounds.

The Monarchs (7-1) who average 99.1 points per game, have earned the top seed going into playoffs and will automatically advance to the national championship game at 4 p.m. Saturday August 25 at Dort Federal Event Center.

Tickets are available at the Dort Event Center box office for $10 and parking is free.

]]>Nya Jordan named GWBA Player of the Weekhttp://www.flintmonarchs.com/news/nya-jordan-named-gwba-player-of-the-week-for-week-Fri, 27 Jul 2018 14:50:48 +00001045f24f-a38d-47db-803c-9791282dca19

Chicago, IL- July 27, 2018- Nya Jordan of the Flint Monarchs was named the GWBA’s Player of the Week, for games played July 21-July 27. Jordan registered 18 points and 3 rebounds while playing limited minutes to help the Monarchs secure a 99-62 victory at home.

Jordan was selected Player of the Week for the first time in her career and has helped the Flint Monarchs off to a league best 6-1 record.

The Detroit native and former University of Michigan player averages 8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game for the season.

Other candidates for the GWBA Player of the Week were the Flint Monarchs Jasmine McCall.

Flint, MI-July 21, 2018- The Monarchs avenged their only loss of the season with a whopping 99-62 home victory against the Chicago Breeze.

“Today's game was a statement about setting the bar in women’s basketball,” said Nicole Randolph, Head Coach of the Flint Monarchs. “To open the first quarter 29-6 against a high scoring Chicago team, further compliments our philosophy that our defense will dictate our offense.”

Flint native Arlesia Morse has the top scoring average in the Global Women’s Basketball Association and is the reigning “Player of the Week,” she led the Flint Monarchs with 22 points and 7 rebounds.

Nya Jordan posted 18 points and three rebounds, Jasmine McCall registered 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals and Jasmine Thomas recorded 13 points, three rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.

Former Northwest Missouri State University player Ariel Easton led the Chicago Breeze with 23 points and five rebounds.

The Monarchs finalized their roster before the July 21 league deadline by adding 6-foot 5-inch Michigan native Rachel Kehoe, who played collegiately at Eastern Michigan University. “Rachel gives us size, length and work ethic at the center position,” said Drey Wynn, president and general manager. “She will help aid us in our quest for another national championship."

The Monarchs (6-1) will play their next home game at 4 p.m. Saturday August 4 at Dort Federal Event Center against the Indianapolis Bandits (1-4).

Tickets are available at the Dort Event Center box office for $10 and parking is free.

“Sue Borrego is an outstanding leader and person in the Flint community that many people should get to know,” said Drey Wynn, president and general manager. “Actually, it was an honor for us to recognize her, this was something we’ve been wanted to do for quite a while and finally the stars aligned.”

The Monarchs (5-1) will play their next home game at 4 p.m. Saturday July 21 at Dort Federal Event Center against the Chicago Breeze (4-1).

Tickets are available at the Dort Event Center box office for $10 and parking is free.

Chicago, IL- July 20, 2018- Arlesia Morse of the Flint Monarchs was named the GWBA’s Player of the Week, for games played July 14-July 20. Morse registered 25 points and 8 rebounds while helping the Monarchs secure a 100-73 road victory against the Milwaukee Aces.

The Flint native and former Marquette University player currently leads both the GWBA and the Flint Monarchs in scoring with 20.7 points per game.

The Flint Monarchs will honor University of Michigan-Flint chancellor Susan Borrego at halftime of Friday's home game against the Toledo Threat.

Borrego will receive the Monarch Inspiration Award for her support of the team and the Flint community, according to club president Drey Wynn.

This is the second time the Monarchs have given out the award during their seven-year history. The first award went to the late Keisha Brown, former head coach at Alma College who was also the first women to guide a Michigan boys high school team to a state championship game.

Brown lost a lengthy battle with breast cancer four years ago.

The game against Toledo begins at 2 p.m. Friday at the Dort Federal Event Center. Tickets are $10 and parking is free.

Milwaukee, WI-July 15, 2018- The Flint Monarchs scored 10 points during the last two minutes of the 4th quarter to close out a 100-73 road victory against the Milwaukee Aces.

“These ladies came out and simply played like the professionals they are,” said Drey Wynn, president and general manager. “They are playing at such a high level that it’s almost scary if you are the other team.”

Flint native Arlesia Morse, who played collegiately at Marquette University, led the Monarchs with 25 points and 8 rebounds, making 5 of 7 shots behind the 3-point arc.

Former University of Wisconsin player Anya Covington led the Milwaukee Aces with 19 points and 9 rebounds.

The Monarchs (5-1) will play their next home game at 2 p.m. Friday July 20th at Dort Federal Event Center against the Toledo Threat (1-5). In addition, the Flint Monarchs will honor University of Michigan-Flint Chancellor Susan Borrego at halftime with the Monarchs Inspiration Award.

Tickets are available at the Dort Event Center box office for $10 and parking is free.

]]>Sparkle Taylor Named GWBA Player of the Weekhttp://www.flintmonarchs.com/news/sparkle-taylor-name-gwba-player-of-the-weekFri, 13 Jul 2018 15:18:29 +0000356294bc-3c42-421d-9e66-8b68832a9fff

Sparkle Taylor named GWBA Player of the Week for Week 6

Chicago, IL- July 13, 2018- Sparkle Taylor of the Flint Monarchs was named the GWBA’s Player of the Week, for games played July 7-July 13. Taylor registered 22 points and five rebounds while helping the Monarchs secure a 111-47 home victory against the Illinois Stars on July 7.

The Flint native and former University of Texas at El Paso player currently averages 13.0 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Monarchs and has them off to a league best 4-1 record.

Taylor was selected Player of the Week for the first time in her career but is the third Monarch player selected for Player of the Week honors this season.

Other candidates for the GWBA Player of the Week were the Flint Monarchs Arlesia Morse.

The Monarchs (4-1) will travel to Wisconsin and play against the Milwaukee Aces (3-1) on Saturday July 14at Alverno College (3pm central standard time).

]]>Arlesia Morse named GWBA Player of the Weekhttp://www.flintmonarchs.com/news/arlesia-morse-named-gwba-player-of-the-weekFri, 6 Jul 2018 16:10:24 +00001fa62cbc-1251-4e1a-bcc0-858d7fbb0599

Arlesia Morse named GWBA Player of the Week for Week 5

Chicago, IL- July 6, 2018- Arlesia Morse of the Flint Monarchs was named the GWBA’s Player of the Week, for games played June 29-July 6. Morse registered 30 points and six rebounds while helping the Monarchs secure a 117-67 road victory as well as set two new team league records (most point scored and 3 point field goals made) against the Indianapolis Bandits on June 30. Also, Morse made 5 of 8 shots behind the 3-point arc.

"Arlesia is a special player not because she can shoot but due to her shooting efficiency which is incredible, says Flint Monarchs Head Coach Nicole Randolph." "She doesn't miss many shots and her teammates know how to find her."

The Flint native and former Marquette University player currently leads both the Monarchs and GWBA in scoring with 20.0 points per game.

Morse was selected Player of the Week for the first time in her career and has the Flint Monarchs off to a league best 3-1 record.

Other candidates for the GWBA Player of the Week were the Flint Monarchs Jasmine McCall, the Chicago Breeze Ariel Easton and Akyah Taylor.

Indianapolis, IN-June 30, 2018- The Flint Monarchs used a scoring barrage of three-point shooting and stifling defense to steal a 117-67 road victory against the Indianapolis Bandits.

“The Monarchs did a phenomenal job rebounding from a loss to the Chicago Breeze,” said Nicole Randolph, Head Coach of the Flint Monarchs. “Playing together and defense were our focal points for the game.”

Flint native Arlesia Morse, who played collegiately at Marquette University, led the Monarchs with 30 points and six rebounds, making 5 of 8 shots behind the 3-point arc.

The Monarchs victory set new Global Women’s Basketball Association (GWBA) team and individual records for most points scored by a team (117), most assists recorded by a team (37), most 3 point field goals made by a team (15), most individual assists during a game (12 by McCall) and most individual rebounds during a game (15 by Bradford).

“This was the best game I have ever seen a team from Flint play in nine seasons as a Coach or General Manager,” said Drey Wynn, President & General Manager of the Flint Monarchs. “It was a thing of beauty to see them intensely defend, score, execute in half court and just have fun playing Monarch basketball.”

Martha Burse led the Indianapolis Bandits with 23 points.

The Monarchs (3-1) will play their next home game at 4 p.m. Saturday July 7th at Dort Federal Event Center against the Illinois Warriors (0-4).

Tickets for home games are $10 and available at the Event Center box office.

The Flint Monarchs traveled to the “Windy City” for a weekend battle with the Chicago Breeze but losing 76-77 wasn’t the outcome expected by the team.

“The Breeze is a much improved team from last season that has strong guard play, good size and great coaching,” said Monarchs president and general manager Drey Wynn. “I expect to see them playing in the championship game.”

“This game was competition at its finest because both teams battled to the end,” said Chicago Breeze Owner Shajaunna Jordan. “There was no bowing down to the Queens, we gave respect and earned it from the defending champs.”

The Breeze was led by Aleyah Taylor who posted 14 points and 8 rebounds. Keila Beachum chipped in 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Monarchs (2-1) play next in Indiana Saturday June 30 against the Indianapolis Bandits.

Flint, MI – In a rematch of last year’s championship game, the Monarchs hosted its league rival the Milwaukee Aces and walked away with its second victory of the season 94-82.

Drey Wynn filled in for Coaches Nicole Randolph and Linnell Jones-McKenney who were absent due to Women’s Hall of Fame inductions. “It’s a great honor to be enshrined into a Hall Fame, yet alone, one for the game of women’s basketball,” said Flint Monarchs president and general manager Drey Wynn. “It’s been 8 years since I coached a game of basketball at this level, but I recruited these players, studied the plays, watched film and ran practice to increase my comfort level prior to tip off.”

Flint natives Arlesia Morse, who played collegiately at Marquette University led the Monarchs with 24 points and four rebounds, Sparkle Taylor who played collegiately at the University of Texas at El Paso added 17 points and four rebounds and Jasmine Thomas who played collegiately at Michigan State University posted 12 points and six rebounds. Crystal Bradford, reigning league Player of the Week, posted her first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Teri Stamps topped Milwaukee with 23 points and four assists.

The Monarchs will travel to Chicago and take on the Chicago Breeze (1-1) Saturday June 16, 2018 at 4pm EST. Game will be held at Hales Franciscan College and game admission is $10.

Chicago, IL June 8, 2018- Crystal Bradford of the Flint Monarchs was named the GWBA’s Player of the Week, for games played June 1-June 8. Bradford scored a game high 29 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists (5-for-6 from 3 point line) while helping her team secure a 89-61 road victory against the Illinois Warriors.

“Crystal Bradford is a star in her own right and her game clearly has elevated since last season,” said team president and general manager Drey Wynn.

Other candidates for the GWBA Player of the Week were the Flint Monarch’s Taylor Gleason, the Milwaukee Ace’s Same Price and Trisha Patton.